festival

LightWaterDrums 2007
	Saturday January 27..... dawn breaks beautifully from my porch.
	The Sanctuary shines in the bright morning as we prepare.
	We have our lists of gear and talkies and stuff.....
	Volunteers from Templeton, Katimavik, and HCC have come to help make it happen! Thank heavens!
	The castle has quickly gone up to give us all shelter from.... the bright sunny day?!? In January?
	The lanterns and glowing lights are arranged along bridges and in trees.
	The beautiful orange globes are ready to flicker to life....
	Even the littlest helpers are needed to make each lantern light.
	Of course, there are last minute arrangements to make. We are never sure if we have thought of everything...
	Oh yeah! The giant mushroom! Of course!
	Back at Hastings Community Center, preparations are in the works, readying for the evening's festivities - hot cocao, and food for the volunteers, and cookies and cakes - oh my!
	And parents and children prepare their lanterns.
	Already the sun is descending and we must hurry to put everything in its place!
	More volunteers! Brilliant!
	And even more volunteers!! Yippee! We'll get it all done in time!
	The fabulous Waterproof Art Gallery goes up along the procession route - incredible works from Hastings Elementary.
	Each painting, carefully sandwiched in clear wrapper, has its place.
	The fire dancers prepare themselves as twilight approaches.
	Time for a quick lit run to test the new fire headresses for the waltz.
	Don't forget the lanterns in the school display case! We'll need them tonight!
	Ah good - everyone is ready for the big event!
	Finally the moment has arrived - the Traditional Mothers open for the procession once again this year.
	The Carnival Band stands by - a strange mist has arisen just as we ready ourselves.
	And it is time to go! Light the butter lamps and let the pungent fragrances of the night surround us.
	Ah! Our friends from the Vancouver Police Department are at hand to help us safely across busy Hastings Street - oh many thanks brave lads.
	Now into the strange mists that have filled the Sanctuary....
	The lanterns glow beautifully over the water.
	Our friends are delighted and amazed.
	Suddenly a flame arises across the lake at the Boat Launch.
	This is getting interesting..... hot pants!
	And the fans in silhouette.
	It is a wonder to behold - and that's a rather awesome glowing umbrella you have there....
	The fires mount high into the sky, eerie flames breaking the mist.
	The fire dancers cavort before the dragon.
	Circles within circles, arcs of fire and glistening lake.
	And now more of them fill the Stone Steps.
	The lamps along the bridges light the way past the Pillar Bridge.
	And what portal do we behold in the night?
	A great heron at its side - moving gracefully out of the darkness.
	Filling the glowing blue archway with life and sound... as the Carnival Band draws everyone forward into another realm.
	Glowing gardens of alien stick plants...
	And foggy bridges of distant tea lights....
	The dragon leads the festive crowds along.
	And suddenly fire breaks out in awe-inspiring splendor.
	Gouts of fire rising up from the stage on the South Meadow.
	And weirdly whip light emitted by Shimmy and snap!
	Oh my gosh darned whacky!!! We're having waaaaay too much fun now!
	Great fireballs split the night.
	And then.... they approach... fire umbrellas! Borne by intense young men with a glint in their eyes.
	Joined by their lovely ladies, they break into ..... a Fire Waltz!!!
	This is incredibly beautiful - what a sight!
	Little Beau Blue cuts a fiery rug with his dear.
	And then the fans!
	And the fire staffs!
	And the impressive "buzz saw" with fire poi!
	And then Fasty steps up to make the young women gasp.
	And gasp they do as his poi spin faster and faster.
	And then havoc break loose as staffs go flying over spinning fire.
	Great Balls o' Fire, man! That's crazy business.....
	What a triumphant crescendo!
	One last Bhak-sized fireball....
	And we make our way back through the trees....
	Away from the misty park, leaving the flickering lanterns and acid-blue lights.
	And carry on the festivities back at Hastings Community Center!
	Lion dancers, and Starchild, and Sambata, and drumcircles...
	And the crowds just loving every minute of it.
	Silk Road and Ashley Arden keep them warm and cozy....
	And back at the park..... the lights continue to flicker in the mist.
	Except for a lone heron, surveying the scene across the lake, glowing twinkle umbrella in hand.
	...... good night.... until next year.